In this weekly column, we round up a selection of events across Singapore’s arts and creative communities that are worth checking out and supporting either with your presence or your dollar.
WEEK OF MAY 13, 2024
1. GET IMMERSED IN ONE-OF-A-KIND PERFORMANCES
There’s plenty of flora and fauna to be experienced at this year’s Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA), the tentpole event on the local calendar for the performing arts. Take the opening show MOBY DICK (pictured) by Norwegian director, actress, and puppet-maker Yngvild Aspeli – performed by a cast of seven actors, fifty puppets, and video projections, it’s an innovative 90-minute interpretation of Herman Melville’s story about the eponymous white whale.
Other highlights include the award-winning Sun & Sea (pictured in cover image), a fun opera-on-the-beach piece that has sun-tanners singing about climate change: the work had snaking queues when it debuted at the 2019 Venice Biennale and this time round, it’s set to take place at Esplanade Theatre – you don’t want to miss this one.
Closer to home, local experimental band The Observatory will be debuting REFUGE, an interdisciplinary live performance work that is the result of spending months in the caves of Malaysia. Blending sound, music, visuals, and light, this atmospheric work explores the bond between self and nature, seeking to translate the primordial wisdom gleaned from ancient geological formations, cave art and living organisms.
Check out the full line-up here.
May 17-June 2, various times and locations
2. CHECK OUT THE LASALLE SHOW
You’ve been seeing various schools within Lasalle College of The Arts showcase their graduate collections – last week, for example, was the fashion design and textile students’ runway show. The latter was by-invite-only, but you’ll be able to ogle their creations up close at The Lasalle Show 2024 – the big combined exhibition where you’ll get to check out works across diverse disciplines ranging from design, fine arts (pictured: BA Fine Arts student Nur Sabrina’s work), film, and animation to dance, music, theatre, and art therapy; it’s all about celebrating their creativity and hard work before they step into the professional art world.
May 17-May 29, 12pm-8pm daily, at various locations within Lasalle College of The Arts, 1 McNally Street
3. HIT SPADES’ CLOSING SALE
Multi-label store Spades made quite the splash when it debuted four years ago with its ace curation of niche local and regional labels, such as Muddy Buffalo, Ghost Boy and Mobius Mise, most of which had previously no brick and mortar presence in Singapore. Now the founders are calling it a day and are currently hosting a closing sale – as well as a by-invite-only party – to mark their final chapter. If you’re a fan of their work, best to hotfoot it down before they shutter on May 17.
On now till May 17, 1pm-9pm, at #02-04 MAE Industrial Building, 8 MacTaggart Road
4. TAKE PART IN A PIZZA AND PUZZLE CONTEST
Stylish vintage homeware purveyor Aa Furniture is doing something a bit different this weekend: they’re putting on a team jigsaw puzzle competition. The equipment in question are puzzles by design outfit The Play Group, with each team (of three to four members) getting one and a half hours to solve the puzzle – but wait, there’s more! Each member of the team gets a beverage and a pizza of their choice by cult pizza makers Chooby, so you know it’s going to be good. The winning team walks away with a $400 gift voucher – get your tickets here.
May 18 and May 19, 1pm-2:30pm and 4pm-5:30pm, at Aa Furniture, 10C Jalan Ampas 07-01, Ho Seng Lee Flatted Warehouse
5. SUPPORT LOCAL MUSICIANS AT THIS GIG
Multi-sports space Trifecta – billed as the world’s first snow, surf and skate attraction – made plenty of waves when it opened last October in Singapore. But the intrepid founders see it as a space for more than just sports enthusiasts: cue the second volume of their ongoing Trifecta Backyard Sessions. This series draws inspiration from the DIY ethos and the intertwined cultures of board sports and music, and is dedicated to spotlighting emerging sonic talents from our own backyard (geddit?).
This edition’s line-up is headlined by our favourite bedroom pop star Shye (pictured), as well as indie singer-songwriter Charlie Lim, pop cutie Regina Song, as well as emerging rapper Tengyboy, before things are wrapped up with a afterparty by Culture SG.
Admission is free – RSVP here.
May 18, 6pm till late, at Trifecta, 10A Exeter Road
6. CATCH THE LEE CHANG DONG RETROSPECTIVE
Film buffs are in for a rare treat: Asian Film Archive (AFA) is putting on a retrospective of Lee Chang Dong, one of South Korea’s most revered auteurs. For the uninitiated, Lee’s films are known for their understated yet deeply personal studies of human character. Lee initially pursued a career in literature, serving as a high school teacher and acclaimed novelist – it wasn’t until the age of 40, encouraged by his peers, that he ventured into filmmaking.
The Asian Film Archive presents a comprehensive retrospective of Lee’s illustrious 20-year career, featuring all six of his feature films: this includes newly restored 4K versions of his acclaimed works such as Green Fish (1997), Peppermint Candy (1999), Oasis (2002), Secret Sunshine (2007), and Poetry (2010), alongside a documentary exploring his directorial philosophy titled Lee Chang-dong: The Art of Irony (2022).
On now till May 25, various times, at Oldham Theatre, 1 Canning Rise
7. GO ON ARCHITECTURE TOURS
Singapore Archifest 2024 promises a fresh take on the premier architecture event, combining Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA)’s marquee awards and conferences with the always popular Architours, which allows the public access to private homes and spaces, led by the architects who designed them. A key highlight of the festival is the homecoming of the acclaimed Venice Architecture Biennale 2023 Singapore Pavilion (pictured). Titled When is Enough, Enough? The Performance of Measurement, the exhibition seeks to demonstrate how traditional architectural standards of quantity and measurement are insufficient for assessing the lived experience of our cities.
Check out the full line-up of events here.
May 15-19, various times and locations
WEEK OF MAY 6, 2024
1. CHECK OUT THE NEXT GENERATION OF SINGAPORE FASHION TALENTS
The students have toiled for months, and now it’s time for Lasalle College of the Arts’ BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Textiles programme to showcase the results of their labour. Last year’s cohort had many brilliant gems, including that of Farah Sudiro (pictured), and we’re eagerly looking forward to the efforts of their juniors.
This year, 12 students have been tasked with the theme of “Re:Imagine” the future of fashion. They have identified social, cultural, and environmental issues they are passionate about addressing and have employed a range of strategies to tackle them. This is more pressing than ever, especially with progress on sustainability within the luxury industry having taken a back seat during the pandemic.
The students have approached the topic through various methods, including using sustainable materials, experimenting with innovative pattern-cutting methods, nurturing respectful collaborations, advocating for recycling, exploring alternative production approaches, challenging colonial practices, prioritising thoughtful design, integrating handcrafted techniques, and embracing technological advancements.
While the actual fashion show is by invite only, you can follow it online via livestreaming on the school’s Instagram account. Follow it here.
May 7, 7pm – watch the livestream on @1mcnallyfashion’s Instagram account
2. HIT THE OLAFUR ELIASSON BLOCKBUSTER
Fans of Olafur Eliasson are in for a treat – Singapore Art Museum (SAM)’s next blockbuster is dedicated to the high-profile Icelandic-Danish artist. He previously exhibited his yellow-tinged installation Room for one colour as part of National Gallery Singapore’s Minimalism show back in 2019, but SAM’s upcoming exhibition, titled Olafur Eliasson: Your curious journey, will be far more extensive – it marks the artist’s first major solo show in Southeast Asia.
For the uninitiated, Eliasson is known for engaging viewers in immersive experiences that stimulate various senses and attempt to make the intangible tangible, such as rendering invisible elements of our surroundings like air or magnetic fields experienceable. Fans can expect to encounter some of his most famous pieces, including Beauty (1993), Ventilator (1997), and Yellow Corridor (1997), as well as several new works making their debut for the first time at SAM.
Get your tickets here.
May 10-September 22, 10am-7pm daily, at Singapore Art Museum at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Road
3. TURN UP FOR THIS IRREVERENT PARTY
Queer parties have flourished in Singapore’s nightlife scene in recent years, Intervention, with its unpredictable music and quirky mascot, is arguably the most irreverent and wacky of them all. After a hiatus in the first quarter of 2024, they’re back, this time with a special guest – the well-respected Indonesian duo Gabber Modus Operandi. One half of the duo recently collaborated with Bjork on her latest album, Fossora, and as a group, they’ve been celebrated for their contributions to the soundtrack of the award-winning Malaysian film Tiger Stripes, as well as their electrifying live performances worldwide. They’re renowned for seamlessly blending wildly eclectic genres including jathilan, gabber, dangdut koplo, ebeg dance, funkot, Chicago footwork, grindcore, and noise – perfectly aligned with Intervention’s style.
Get your tickets here.
May 11, 10:30pm till late, at No Spoilers Bar & Dining at The Projector, #05-01 Cineleisure, 8 Grange Road
4. GET EDUCATED ON THE REGION’S COOLEST MUSIC ACTS
Described as a fusion of “TED meets SXSW,” Music Matters Live in Singapore has established itself as a leading platform in the Asia Pacific music industry. Serving as both a conference and a festival, the event is dedicated to fostering connections and stimulating discussions among musicians, fans, and industry professionals. This year, the organizers are introducing CreatorWeek, a week-long showcase of emerging talent from various corners of the globe. Set to unfold from May 7 to 11 at CQ at Clarke Quay, this debut edition will spotlight over 50 up-and-coming artists representing 16 countries, including Taiwanese hip-hop and R&B duo Fi-Ne (pictured), Italy-born, Singapore-based dance-pop star Matilde G, Indian pop songstress Mali and many more.
Our guide to the coolest acts to look out for here.
May 7-11, various times, at CQ at Clarke Quay, 3A/B/C/D/E River Valley Road
5. CATCH A SINGAPORE FILMMAKER’S DEBUT FEATURE
It may have been more than a decade since Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami of 2011, but the aftermath is still being processed. Singaporean filmmaker Nicole Midori Woodford, for one, alludes to the topic with her beautiful debut feature film, Last Shadow At First Light. Presented as a tender coming-of-age film, it follows the road trip of a teenage Japanese girl, Ami, who is haunted by visions of her long-lost mother and heads for her mother’s last-known whereabouts in the coastal city of Rikuzentakata, which was almost wiped out by the 2011 tsunami. As the protagonist and her uncle confront the aftermath of loss and wrestle with confronting the past, present, and future, the film navigates the intricacies of their evolving dynamics.
Get your tickets here.
There are two screenings with Q&A sessions with the director on May 9, 7:30PM, and May 11, 4:30pm, respectively, at The Projector, #05-00 Cineleisure, 8 Grange Road
6. (RE)DISCOVER THE STORIES BEHIND SINGAPORE’S ICONS
The Singapore HeritageFest, now in its 21st year, is embracing the theme of ‘reliving the stories that connect us,’ focusing on uncovering untold narratives behind Singapore’s oldest landmarks. Highlights include guided tours by DP Architects showcasing downtown landmarks and an exploration of the historic 37 Emerald Hill. The Hop-On, Hop-Off (HOHO) Bus Experience offers a relaxed tour through cultural neighbourhoods. The festival’s main exhibition, ‘Homeground: We Built This City,’ celebrates Singapore’s national monuments and conserved buildings. Additionally, the tour ‘Stories in Stone Katong-Joo Chiat Built Heritage and Historic Tour’ delves into the history of Peranakan shophouses and other iconic sites in Katong-Joo Chiat.
Explore the full line-up here.
On now till May 26, various times and locations
7. IMBIBE SOME SERIOUSLY GOOD DRINKS
For those missing the popular Singapore Cocktail Festival (which is on hiatus this year), there’s another player in town – cue the Singapore Cocktail Takeover 2024. It makes sense; Singapore punches above its weight for our size – we do after all have 11 bars ranked on Asia’s 50 Best Bars, with staple Jigger & Pony coming in at second on last year’s list. More than 30 well-loved names are taking part, including Gibson, Live Twice, Last Word, Offtrack, Nutmeg & Clove, No Sleep Club, Sugarhall and yes, Jigger & Pony – they’ll be offering signature and new drinks at a special price of $18 for this event.
In addition to the drinks, guests have the opportunity to witness some of the top bar experts from the region showcasing their skills at participating bars during guest shifts as part of the takeover celebration – highlights include Taiwanese bars Moonrock, Slow Down, Bar Dip, and Voiceover taking over Nutmeg & Clove, along with Tokyo’s renowned Bellwood at Jigger & Pony.
More details here.
On now till May 12, various times and locations
WEEK OF APRIL 29, 2024
1. HIT ONE OF SINGAPORE’S BEST RAVE SERIES
You know Bussy Temple as one of the few raves in Singapore that makes intentional space for queer folks, as well as their immersive sets and experiences – well now you’ll want to be there for their third anniversary.
The upcoming edition is titled Amorphous, and it features a great line-up consisting of Berlin duo Soraya and Dmitra, regional favourite rEmPiT g0dDe$$, Singapore electronic producer Mervin Wong, fashion designer and butoh performer Josh Tirados and more. The organisers see it as a homecoming of sorts – a moment for them to reflect on how far they’ve come from a small gathering for friends to becoming one of the most anticipated rave series here (and they’re starting to play regionally too).
But at the core of it all, they’re still about making sure long-marginalised queer communities are centered at their events – hence they’ve reserved half of their tickets through invitations for their queer, trans, and femmes kin, and have priced the general admission at a lower price to be more accessible for the community.
Get your tickets here now.
May 4, 10.30pm till late at an undisclosed location
2. CHECK OUT THE EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL
The European Film Festival is one of the longest-running film festivals in Singapore – it turns 33 this year – and it’s back with a slate of 24 films from 24 countries, presenting a richer and more nuanced representation of the bloc’s diversities.
Kicking off the festivities is Here by Belgian director Bas Devos, a poignant exploration of the profound human longing for connection amidst a backdrop of constant flux. Among the festival’s notable entries is 125 Years Memory from Turkey, which snagged the Best Art Direction accolade at the 39th Japan Academy Film Prize, and Norway’s Dancing Queen (pictured), a poignant coming-of-age tale delving into themes of love and adolescence.
Check out the full line-up here.
On now till May 25, various times, at The Projector, #05-00 Cineleisure, 8 Grange Road
3. SEE A DIFFERENT SIDE OF FRIDA KAHLO’S LIFE AND ART
The ArtScience Museum is dedicating 2024 to the extraordinary women in art and film, and as part of the year-long programming, May is set to be Frida Kahlo month – there are two exhibitions exploring various facets of the Mexican artist’s fascinating art and life. First is Frida Kahlo: The Life of an Icon, a biographical exhibition that is making its Southeast Asian premiere at the museum. The result of a collaboration between Layers of Reality and Frida Kahlo Corporation, this immersive exhibition intertwines historical photographs, authentic films, 360-degree projections, and interactive installations, carefully reconstructing pivotal junctures of Kahlo’s life.
The second exhibition, curated by ArtScience Museum with the support of Cristina Kahlo Alcala, the great niece of Frida Kahlo, is the more personal of the two. Titled Laid Bare: Frida’s Inner World,
the exhibition features more than 30 rare photographs, diary entries, contemporary artworks, and medical documents, showcasing an intimate portrayal of the artist’s famously tumultuous relationship with her body, her health struggles, and how these challenges profoundly influenced her art. Additionally, Laid Bare includes interviews with doctors and medical experts from Singapore, who provide diagnoses of Frida’s medical conditions, helping to lend a contemporary perspective to understanding the many kinds of physical and mental challenges she would have experienced.
Lastly, there’s also the virtual reality experience named Exquisite Corpse – this immersive journey draws inspiration from Kahlo’s artistic vision, inviting visitors to step into her paintings. Beginning in her iconic bed, viewers are seamlessly transported into the artist’s room and beyond, exploring dreamlike landscapes and key motifs from her work through a blend of CGI, 360-degree filming, and original footage.
Get your tickets for Frida Kahlo: The Life of an Icon, Laid Bare: Frida’s Inner World, and Exquisite Corpse.
May 4 – Sept 1, 10am – 7pm daily, at ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Avenue
4. VISIT THE NTU ADM SHOW
Another week, another graduation show to catch: this week it’s NTU School of Art, Design and Media (ADM)’s turn in the spotlight. Expect to see more than 100 works from graduands across diverse disciplines, including film, photography, animation, product design, game design and more – hence the theme of Mosaic. Best part? You don’t have to trek all the way to NTU to catch this promising show – it’s held at Helutrans gallery at Tanjong Pagar this year.
May 5 – 15, 11am – 8pm daily at Artspace@Helutrans, Tanjong Pagar Distripark #01-05, 39 Keppel Road
5. HIT UP A SWAROVSKI-INSPIRED MENU
If you’re looking to give your mother a treat this May, trying taking her to SKAI – the restaurant is partnering with jeweller Swarovski to offer a high tea experience that features seasonal treats and picturesque city views. The event showcases Swarovski’s Mother’s Day collection, alongside a special menu crafted by SKAI’s executive chef Seumas Smith and executive pastry Chef Yong Ming Choong that draws inspiration from Swarovski’s jewels, offering vibrant colors and shapes in both savory and dessert selections – the Hazelnut Praline Yuzu Vanilla Swan Choux resemble Swarovski’s signature swan, for instance.
The menu is priced at $68 ++ per adult and $34 ++ per child – this includes a choice of mocktail (+$10 for cocktail), TWG or Gourmet Coffee Selections.
May 1 – May 31, 2 Stamford Road, Level 70, #70-02 Swissotel The Stamford
6. VISIT AN EXHIBITION EXPLORING THE INTIMACY OF PERSONAL SPACES
Woaw Gallery’s latest exhibition, A Quiet Room, A Place in Your Heart, explores the importance of personal spaces in our lives – whether real, remembered, or imagined. Featuring a line-up of emerging artists globally – Daniel Fleur, Duri Baek, Elena Rivera-Montanes, Karel Dicker, Marian Ang, Miho Ichise, Mizuki Nishiyama, Nina Silverberg and Novo – a common motif in their works is a desire for peaceful places where people can think, express themselves, and appreciate both ordinary and special moments. Painting these cozy places isn’t just about showing what they look like; it’s about adding stories to them and changing how we see and feel about them — making them even more special.
May 4 – June 1, 11am – 7pm daily (closed on Sundays and Mondays), at Woaw Gallery, 4 Ann Siang Hill
7. CATCH A SHOW THAT BLURS THE BOUNDARIES BETWEEN ART AND DESIGN
Famed French artist-designer Hubert Le Gall is returning to Singapore with a new show titled Daydream. He exists at the space in-between art and design, crafting furniture and various homeware that recall of the whimsy of Elsa Schiaparelli (cue this plant chair). The exhibit will present a themed display spread across six gallery spaces on two floors of Cuturi Gallery’s shophouse space, offering visitors an immersive journey into Le Gall’s fantastical realm. Alongside existing works, Le Gall will also introduce a series of pieces made exclusively for the Singaporean audience – stay tuned.
April 27 – June 22, 12pm – 7pm daily (closed on Sundays and Mondays), at Cuturi Gallery, 61 Aliwal Street
WEEK OF APRIL 22, 2024
1. GET SCHOOLED ON THE ART OF PERFUMERY WITH CHANEL
Fragrance heads would do well to sign up ASAP for Chanel’s upcoming Parfumeur Masterclass, where you can expect to get acquainted the French maison’s vast library of scents, which date back to 1921 when the couturier first launched the world’s most famous perfume – Chanel N°5.
It’s here where you can also get a preview of a very exciting new release – the upcoming Comete eau de parfum, which is the 19th entrant to the maison’s top-end Les Exclusifs range. Inspired by the Chanel necklace of the same name (it was a key piece from Gabrielle Chanel’s first high jewellery collection in 1932), the Comete perfume is said to be an light and powdery skin scent, with notes of cherry blossom, heliotrope, iris and musk.
Sign up here now.
April 26 – June 2, 11am – 9pm (Mondays to Thursdays), 10am – 9pm (Fridays to Sundays, including public holidays, closed on Tuesdays), at The Warehouses, CQ @ Clarke Quay, Block B, #B1-08, 3B River Valley Road
2. CHECK OUT THE NEXT GENERATION OF ARTISTS AT THIS SHOW
May is graduation season in Singapore and this week sees the opening of Lasalle College of The Arts’ BA Fine Arts graduation show, titled The Molecular & The Divine. Come here to see the hopeful works of emerging artists (pictured here is the work of Muhammad Mustaghfir) – the group exhibition presents diverse practices and strands of experimentations and concepts, celebrating the fact that there are many ways of knowing in the arts.
April 25 – April 30, 1pm – 8pm, at Lasalle College of The Arts’ Winstedt Campus, 9 Winstedt Road
3. SHOP THE BEST OF DESIGN AND LIFESTYLE FROM SINGAPORE AND GLOBALLY AT THIS FAIR
Boutique Fairs has come to be one of the most anticipated markets every year since its inception in 2002. The Spring 2024 edition features a selection of over 300 brands from Singapore and around the region, with over 200 launches by various brands exclusively at this event.
This edition also welcomes 80 brands such as Annie & Lori and Erika Pena, which are making their Singapore debut at the Fairs. In recent years, the Fairs has also noticeably ramped up its support of local emerging artists and designers – this edition in particular showcases a solo design exhibition by emerging industrial designer Karyn Lim where selected pieces of her functional sculptures will be available for purchase.
Lim is known for her diverse practice that spans jewellery, design and art, such as visually cohesive pieces woven from different materials, each imbued with the ethos of lightness, as well as So Plast!c, a collection of artful furniture crafted from recycled plastic waste (pictured), which seeks to transform the narrative of the oft-disposed material by turning it into enduring pieces for interior spaces.
Get your tickets to Boutique Fairs here.
April 26 – April 28, 10am – 8pm (10am – 6pm on Sunday), at F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Boulevard
4. GET GREAT COFFEE AND LIMITED EDITION MERCH AT THIS POP-UP
Last year saw the popular Kyoto-based cafe Kurasu expanding its presence here, with the opening of a cute coffee stand on Orchard Road. To celebrate the stand’s first anniversary, Kurasu has roped in Open Door Store, the independent art and design store opened by Goh Zhong Ming and Debbie Lee as an offshoot of Konstrukt Laboratories (their silkscreen printing business which produces for a host of local brands and retailers). There are various cute merch and limited edition bandanas that were co-produced by Kurasu and Open Door Store up for grabs – so head down if you’re a fan of either brand.
April 27 and April 28, 10am – 6pm, at Kurasu The Stand, #01-03 Orchard Building, 1 Grange Rd
5. CATCH AWARD-WINNING FILMS ON THE BEACH
The always popular Hendrick’s Sunset Cinema is back for another edition: you know the drill, enjoy award-winning films at Tanjong Beach under the stars, while you’re sipping on cocktails. This year’s line-up is a mix of indie works (the Korean American slow-burning drama Past Lives, anyone?) blockbusters (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One – enough said), and the critically acclaimed (the suspenseful French legal drama Anatomy of A Fall, which won the Palme d’Or at last year’s Cannes Film Festival).
Each ticket gets you a Hendrick’s Gin cocktail, plush deckchair seating, wireless headphones, and complimentary shuttle services from the event to Harbourfront MRT. Get your tickets here.
April 25 – May 12, various times, at Tanjong Beach Club, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk
6. PARTY WITH SINGAPORE’S TOP DRAG QUEENS
Two stalwart events in the local LGBTQIA+ scene are combining forces to close out your April with a bang: start your night with Becca D’Bus’ signature Riot! (Singapore’s only regular drag revue), where some of the best queens here will be performing, including Anna Stacia, Kak Nina Boo, Lulu Lime, Mona Kee Kee, and Sapphire Blast. Stay on after the revue concludes – that’s when Baby Boy starts. This edition is dance-themed; there’ll be a grand prize of $1,000 for the best dance crew.
Get your tickets for Riot! here and Baby Boy here.
April 27, Riot! starts at 8pm, while Baby Boy starts at 10pm till late, at Hard Rock Cafe, 50 Cuscaden Road
6. HIT THE VOILAH! FRANCE SINGAPORE FESTIVAL
Francophiles are in for a treat with the vOilah! France Singapore Festival. This year’s edition is themed around “Celebrating Passions” – in reference to the French capital being the host city for the Olympics for the third time. French legends and trailblazers in fields such as visual and performing arts, music, sports, gastronomy and science such as chanteuse Edith Piaf, and author Antoine de Saint Exupery (who wrote the endearing novel The Little Prince) are all celebrated. Fans of Saint Exupery in particular, can expect a dedicated exhibition that retraces the iconic author’s journey, with original artefacts, screenings, readings, and conferences.
Closing the month-long festival is Artletics, which blends youth culture, art and sports by artists and youths from both Singapore and France. Led by the Embassy of France and Art Outreach, it transforms Somerset Skate Park into a canvas showcasing French and Singaporean artists and athletes ahead of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
Check out the full line-up here.
April 25 – May 26, various times and locations
7. CHECK OUT THE CUTEST MINIATURE EXHIBITION AT MUJI
If you’re a fan of cute miniatures, you won’t want to miss Japanese retailer Muji’s upcoming ‘small MUJI’ exhibition. which spotlights the work of famous photographer and mitate artist, Tatsuya Tanaka. You might have come across his works on social media – the artist is known for repurposing ordinary objects in his miniature toy sets, such as leeks as forest, or clothing pegs as electric guitars. He uploads his photos of these imaginative sets daily onto social media, to the tune of 3.8 million followers on Instagram.
Now you’ll get to see these works up at this exhibition: 16 original miniature works made using MUJI products, and another three custom-for-Singapore pieces featuring iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay that will be shown for the very first time.
April 26 – June 25, 10am – 10pm daily, at MUJI Plaza Singapura
WEEK OF APRIL 15, 2024
1. HIT ONE OF THE MOST ECLECTIC RAVES IN TOWN
Rememories is the second edition of a new party series organised by a group of anonymous organisers – they state the ethos behind this series is all about spontaneity and that which “focuses on the experience and the vigour of each night.” The lineup is quite eclectic: there’s Minna-No-Kimochi, a Tokyo-based rave crew known for deconstructing ’90s trance music; the fast-emerging Berlin-based DJ and producer Mobilegirl, who’s renowned for her club edits of R&B classics and RPG-influenced sets; Korea-born, Berlin/Copenhagen-based DJ Why Be, noted for his hectic, cathartic, and uncompromising style of club music; and DJ Grogu (yes, after that Star Wars character), known for their predilection for warped trance tunes.
Get your tickets here.
April 20, 9;30pm -3:30am, at MDLR, 62 Cecil Street
2. LEARN HOW TO LIVE MORE SUSTAINABLY AT THESE POP-UPS
Local circular fashion enterprise Cloop is going all out for Earth Month: they’ve partnered with like-minded partners Fashion Revolution Singapore, Fashion Parade, Earthkind, Raja Rani, Webeings, and Commenhers to reinforce their long-running ethos of making better use of the clothing we already have.
They’re staging two big events this month, with the first being held at Weave Suites (33 Jalan Sultan), where they’ll be putting on a pop-up thrift store operating by the honour system – everything is self-
service, self-checkout using PayNow/Google Pay/cash, with part of the proceeds going to charity. There’ll also be film screenings – three documentaries (Melting Greenland; Slay; The Next Black) will be screened – as well as various workshops where you can learn to stitch and mend your own garments (very handy).
The second event takes place at arts and design space EatSnake, where there’ll be another pop-up thrift store, though this time the focus is more on designer items. There’ll also be vegan food options by Ahimsa Cafe, live sets by DJ duo Raja Rani, upcycled denim showcase by Commenhers and more.
April 15-24, 10am-8pm, at Weave Suites, 33 Jalan Sultan, and April 19-20, 11am-9pm at EatSnake, #02-01, 33 Desker Road
3. CHECK OUT THE NEXT GENERATION OF ARTISTS AT THIS SHOW
Graduation season is right around the corner – this week, Lasalle College of The Arts’ MA Fine Arts students are putting on their graduation showcase. Titled This is not a monster – the exhibition alludes to something out of the ordinary.
While the various artwork (including installations, photography, videos, paintings, and sculptures) may draw inspiration from everyday concerns, they are also deeply rooted in the broader contexts of contemporary art practice, encompassing the intricate connections and complexities of artistic creation and socio-political issues.
April 18-May 2, 12pm-7pm daily (closed on Sundays), at Gallery 1, Lasalle College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street
4. WATCH A THOUGHTFUL PLAY ON SINGAPORE’S EDUCATION SYSTEM
Life in Singapore’s grade-focused education system is an experience, as anyone who’s gone through it can attest. Checkpoint Theatre’s latest play, Secondary: The Musical, is a thoughtful piece that dissects life (for both teachers and students) in a typical Singapore school, with all its delicate joys, complicated heartbreak and unexpected beauty. Adding further allure: the play is written and composed by acclaimed electronic musician and multi-disciplinary artist Weish (pictured), which means you can expect it to take you to haunting new places.
It’s also directed by veteran director Huzir Sulaiman, featuring a stellar cast of Adeeb Fazah, Audrey Luo, Ethel Yap, Genevieve Tan, Joshua Lim, Krish Natarajan, Nadya Zaheer, Rebekah Sangeetha Dorai,
Shahid Nasheer, Teoh Jun Vinh, Tiara Yap and Tricia Tan.
Get your tickets here.
April 19-28, various times, at Victoria Theatre, 11 Empress Place
5. VISIT AN EXHIBITION EXPLORING THE BOUNDARIES OF ART AND DESIGN
Loy Contemporary Art Gallery is a new entrant to Singapore’s art scene, and their latest show, curated by Ansha Jin and titled A Trail To Chase, presents 29 works by international artists and designers that sit at that amorphous intersection between art and design. Take for example New York-based designer Liam Lee (his work pictured here), who was a finalist at last year’s Loewe Foundation Craft Prize – Lee’s felted Merino wool creations seem like wondrous, biophilic sculptures, but they’re also functional furniture pieces, which asks the age-old questions of where design and art separate – or if they should even still be delineated at all.
On now till May 31, at Loy Contemporary Art Gallery, Tudor Court, 133 Tanglin Road
6. CATCH ONE OF SINGAPORE’S BEST DAYTIME PARTIES
Originally established by bedroom DJs juhvunnn and DANGDUDE as a DIY outlet to hone their craft, 5210PM has slowly become one of the coolest daytime parties in Singapore over the past year. Bannered by their flagship series, Sunday Mess, the fledgling crew has held small-scale events with some huge vibes at venues like Orh Gao Taproom, Puck Provisions, Nothing Fancy, and The Coup. Sunday Mess’ fifth instalment brings them to Kult Yard, located at the art haven of Pearl’s Hill Terrace this month. The lineup is headlined by Revision Music’s Helios XL (aka Nez Senja), a respected local veteran best known for his jungle, drum and bass, hip-hop, funk, and soul selections. He’s joined by 5210PM’s co-founders, alongside residents L.T.L.X and Loyboy.
Get your tickets here.
April 21, 5pm-10pm at 66 Kampung Bugis
7. CHECK OUT GORGEOUS JAPANESE TEXTILES AT THIS EXHIBTION
Here’s one for those who can’t get enough of Japanese culture and design: Asian Civilisations Museum and Peranakan Museum’s latest joint exhibition, Fukusa: Japanese Gift Covers from the Chris Hall Collection, delves into the history of how and why we give gifts. Any Nipponophile would know that gift-giving is a major aspect of Japanese society – which typically consists of presenting gifts wrapped in silk covers (known as Fukusa, and which dates back to the Edo Period in the 1600s). The exhibition presents more than 80 fukusa, kimonos and other textile-related items – a major gift in and of itself from renowned collector Chris Hall, and traces the act of gift-giving across Japan, China and the West.
April 19-August 25, 10am-7pm, at Peranakan Museum, 39 Armenian Street
WEEK OF APRIL 8, 2024
1. CATCH A RAVE THEATRE
Ravers here are undoubtedly familiar with Endless Return, the multi-disciplinary collective that throws one of the most well-curated and respected raves in Singapore. This Saturday, they’re returning with a new and expanded version of their signature event – titled 4LLEN (pronounced “Fallen”), it’s described as a durational rave performance that’s comprised of four distinct parts, featuring gamelan musician and soundscaper Rosemainy Buang of Antarmuka (SG), artist Teya Logos (PH), producer and DJ obese.dogma777 (PH) and composer-producer Mervin Wong (SG), with butoh choreography by butoh practitioner XUE (SG).
The organisers say 4LLEN delves into the sorrowful representation of the fallen angel archetype, exploring themes of feeling alienation and estrangement, which are indicative of contemporary Singaporean society.
4LLEN is created especially for and with the support of the T:>Works Per°Form Open Academy fellowship, a programme by the independent arts organisation that spotlights intersectional practitioners across diverse disciplines from around the world, with Endless Return being the sole Singapore representative.
Get your tickets here.
April 13, 9.30pm – 2am, at T:>Works, 72-13 Mohamed Sultan Road
2. HIT THIS CULINARY FEAST
Foodies in the know tend to hoover up Ugli Sabi’s popular bakes whenever she drops them – she’s one of the cult home bakers that emerged during the pandemic, known for her delectable pastries and stylish, self-designed packaging collaterals. If you’ve always wanted to try Ugli Sabi’s bakes, she’s teaming up with buzzy bar Sago House (which nabbed the 10th spot on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list last year) as well as pizza artisan Keenway Bread, for a one-day-only feast. The eclectic menu includes shiso crab dips, onion confit, French toast, and spicy sausages – major comfort food. Spots are going fast, so you’ll want to make a reservation ASAP (DM @sagohouse.sg to do so).
April 14, 12pm-2pm, 2pm-4pm and 4pm-6pm, at Sago House, 37 Duxton Hill
3. EXPERIENCE A “SHAMANIC” TEA SESSION
If you’re a tea junkie, here’s one with a twist: Kuala Lumpur-based art collective Shaman Tea Room, comprising of multidisciplinary practitioners Aiwei Foo and Kent Lee, will be staging a tea experience session at Asaru, a tranquil retail space at Pearl’s Hill Terrace.
Each 60 minute session, which includes sound healing, is said to allow one to delve into the inner landscape of one’s mind, to contemplate on the super mundane and to ease tension caused by the hustle bustle of modern life, accompanied by the minimal sound and the taste of tea. In this collaborative edition, seasonal wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) by Asaru Studio will be served.
Book a slot here.
April 14 and 15, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm, at Asaru, #01-07 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace
4. CATCH AN EXHIBITION ON CELESTIAL DEBRIS
Extraterrestrial affairs have been a talking point lately – see the new Netflix adaptation of the iconic sci-fi work The Three-Body Problem. Extraterrestrial matters are also at the heart of an ambitious new exhibition – titled Lucy in the Sky with Debris – by Singapore artist Isabella Ong and curator Seet Yun Teng.
It’s no secret that the universe has long entranced humankind – look at how astrology continues to have a chokehold on our collective consciousness. But as technology progresses, the skies are now filled with dead satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions that circle the Earth in rings of debris – the emerging environmental concern of outer space debris presents a pressing issue despite its distance from public consciousness.
The starting premise of this exhibition asks: How do we see and relate to a sky in which today, a dense, orbiting web of manmade machines overlaps our vision of the cosmos? Find out how the duo have interpreted this question at the exhibition – it’s the culmination of 18 months’ worth of research.
On now till April 28, 12pm – 7pm (Tuesdays to Saturdays), 12pm – 4pm (Sundays) at Objectifs, 155 Middle Road
5. CATCH AN AMY WINEHOUSE PARTY AND FILM SCREENING
The long-awaited Amy Winehouse biopic Back To Black opens this weekend – it tells the remarkable narrative of the late singer’s swift ascent to stardom, tracing her journey from her beginnings in Camden to the creation of her revolutionary album, Back to Black, which propelled her to worldwide fame. Narrated from Winehouse’s perspective and influenced by her intimate lyrics, the movie delves into the complex layers of the iconic artist and delves into the tumultuous romantic tale that lies at the heart of one of the most renowned albums in history.
To celebrate the opening of the film, The Projector is putting on a free party this Friday as their way of paying tribute to the neo-soul icon, with DJ akasounds helming the deck – expect bangers by Winehouse, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Muni Long and more.
The film Back to Black opens April 11, with the accompanying party taking place April 12, 10.30pm till late, at Ruby Lounge, The Projector, Cineleisure, 8 Grange Road
6. VISIT A PRINT-CENTRIC EXHIBITION
STPI’s latest exhibition, titled Departures | New Releases: Yanyun Chen, Hong Zhu An, Prabhavathi Meppayil is a group show starring the three titular artists. The trio are showcasing works developed during their respective residencies spanning from 2019 to 2022 – the collection of works reflects on each artists’ residency as a point of divergence from their usual practices, as they embark on a new journey of conceptual and material explorations in the mediums of print and paper (STPI’s specialties). To complement this exhibition, the arts institution has organised a series of workshops where you can expect to pick up the basics of pulp painting, printmaking and other print-related art forms.
April 13 – June 9, 10am – 7pm daily, at STPI Creative Workshop and Gallery, 41 Robertson Quay
WEEK OF APRIL 1, 2024
1. CATCH A GODDESS EXHIBITION
2024 is the year of womanhood at ArtScience Museum, and how women figures have impacted society through the ages. There are several major exhibitions throughout this year that’s themed around women and the first is Goddess, curated by ACMI (Australia’s premier institution for screen culture), with additional content contributed by ArtScience Museum’s curatorial team.
Spanning an impressive 120 years of cinematic history, this well-received showcase is said to celebrate the remarkable women of film and television who have challenged norms, shattered stereotypes, and shaped perceptions of femininity through their impactful presence on screen – a prime example being Anna May Wong (pictured), the woefully underrated star who was the first Chinese American actress in Hollywood.
Get your tickets here.
April 6 – August 11, 10am – 7pm daily, at ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Avenue
2. BROWSE ART BOOKS FOR FREE
Art book lovers, make a beeline down to dblspce – the independent art space is currently hosting the SG Art Book Library. It’s organised by the same people responsible for the well-loved Singapore Art Book Fair and if you’re familiar with it, you’ll know that the library espouses the same sort of playful spirit; the publications carried in its catalogue are ones that tests the boundaries of what an art book might look and feel like.
On now till April 7, 1pm – 8pm daily, at dblspace, #02-20 Peninsula Shopping Centre, 3 Coleman Street
3. CATCH ANTHONY CHEN’S LATEST FILM
The pandemic proved to be a prolific period for acclaimed filmmaker Anthony Chen. He debuted two films last year – the first being the Chinese drama The Breaking Ice, and the second being Drift, his first English-language feature film.
Drift is anchored by the Oscar-nominated star Cynthia Erivo – the actress plays a Liberian refugee who escapes to a Greek island and develops a deep connection with a tour guide, and is based on Alexander Maksik’s novel A Marker To Measure Drift. Since it debuted at Sundance Film Festival last January, the film has gone on to pick up many awards, such as the Fipresci Prize and Jury Prize at the Festival International de Cinema d’Auteur de Rabat in Morocco.
The film starts screening this week – and the filmmaker will be present in person for a rare Q&A this Saturday that’s moderated by another feted name in film: actress Tan Kheng Hua.
Get your tickets here.
April 6, 7.30pm onwards, at The Projector Cineleisure, #05-00 Cineleisure, 8 Grange Road
4. CELEBRATE THIS SALON’S 15TH ANNIVERSARY
Japanese hair salon chain LIM (Less Is More) has been a go-to for local artistic types since the first Singapore outpost opened here on Cantonment Road in 2009 – something director Tan Eng Chong chalks up to both Singaporeans being increasingly experimental and the fact that the salon’s own stylish staff regularly shop and dine at similar creative hotspots.
LIM is celebrating a big milestone this weekend – they’re marking 15 years in Singapore – and they’re throwing a party at UltraSuperNew gallery. Expect free jagua workshops, live sets by DJ Dean Chew, hairstyling shows, plus an afterparty – if you’re a fan of LIM’s works, you can’t miss out on this one.
April 7, 5pm – 9pm (afterparty from 9pm onwards), at UltraSuperNew gallery, 168 Tyrwhitt Road
5. HIT A QUEER RAVE
One of Singapore’s premier queer-focused and inclusive collectives is celebrating the birthday of its very own rave madame – MISS HOMO. As she turns one, her FOMOHOMO crew and MISMATCH will be teaming up to throw a delectably filthy, techno-thumping celebration unlike any other. Held at MDLR, Birthday Bukkacakes spotlights Marsh Long, a renowned Melbournian artist known for her conceptual and euphoric sets. She’s joined by Berlin-born, Singapore-based DJ Tobias Laut – who has become a mainstay in the local scene thanks to his minimal, deep tech, and acid vibes – alongside the provocative and radical industrial club sounds of DJ GODKORINE.
Get your tickets here.
April 6, 10pm till late, at MDLR, #02-00 62 Cecil Street
6. CHECK OUT A COMPREHENSIVE SHOW ON A SINGAPORE PIONEER PAINTER
If you’re a fan of the Nanyang style of painting, you won’t want to miss out on National Gallery Singapore’s upcoming blockbuster, titled Cheong Soo Pieng: Layer by Layer. The eponymous artist has long been considered to be one of the giants of the Nanyang movement and this exhibition is said to be Southeast Asia’s first such show to use in-depth scientific material analysis such as x-ray scans and infrared photography to delve deeper (literally and figuratively) into Cheong’s artistic processes. There’ll be over 30 paintings on display that span the 1950s to the 1980s, with the show segmented into three distinct parts that ask fundamental questions about Cheong’s painting process: “What makes a painting?”, “When is a painting complete?”, and “What is painting?”
April 5 – September 29, 10am – 7pm daily at National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew’s Road
WEEK OF MARCH 25, 2024
1. GET TO KNOW THE HISTORIES BEHIND KAMPONG GELAM ON THIS ART WALK
Independent arts organisation OH! Open House is one of the first entities here that popularised art walks in residential/non-commercial spaces, and it is back with a bumper edition, held at Kampong Gelam this time.
Curated by its executive director Alan Oei, this edition presents 12 artworks by major Singaporean artists such as Jane Lee and Ezzam Rahman, alongside renowned Thai artist Ruangsak Anuwatwimon and Malaysian artist collective Pangrok Sulap.
This year marks OH!’s 10th anniversary as a charity and its 10th art walk, and it has gone with the theme “Palimpsest”, alluding to how the historic neighbourhood of Kampong Gelam has transformed over the years from a bustling port to a Malay cultural hub. In the form of a guided tour by passionate volunteers, people will get to see site-specific artworks in key public areas, private shops, and homes.
“Kampong Gelam was once the literary capital of the Malay world. And just as there was a brisk exchange of goods in this port-city, scholars and the literati came here to exchange ideas and to participate in active discussion and debate,” says Ibrahim Tahir, founder of Wardah Books, a bookstore operating in Kampong Gelam since 2002 and one of the stops on the art walk. “Not many people recall this history, which is why Wardah Books tries to champion this tradition. We hope to remind people of this legacy by working with OH! for this art walkabout.”
Get your tickets here.
March 30-May 12 (Saturdays and Sundays only, closed on April 13 and 14), 10:30am-5pm (various slots, each walk takes two hours), at Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street
2. CHECK OUT THE NEXT GENERATION OF DESIGN TALENTS
It’s almost graduation season for the Class of 2024, and Lasalle College of the Arts is putting on a special showcase this weekend, this time for its Design Communication students. The school will be showcasing works-in-progress of Design Communications Diploma and BA (Hons) level students, and there’ll also be a print fair organised by the students that seeks to transform and repurpose paper waste through printmaking techniques. In addition to the re-printed materials, students will also offer their own personal works and projects for sale.
March 25-28, 9:30am-6:30pm, at Lasalle College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street
3. HIT AN EXPERIMENTAL PARTY
For the uninitiated, Blench is a fairly new party series that made its debut last September. It is back at it again this time with Zuli as the headliner – the Cairo-born sound artist is best known for his inventive experimentations in rap/hip-hop with music designed for listening as well as the dancefloor, and his fans include the Aphex Twins, Autechre, Ben UFO, and Richie Hawtin. On the local front, there’s also the always mesmerising DJ Yetpet of the Strange Weather collective, drum and synth pair sl_owtalk, and electronic duo Dodgy South.
Get your tickets here.
March 29, 9:30pm-3am, location to be disclosed at a later date
4. VISIT AN EXHIBITION THAT SUBVERTS TRADITIONAL NOTIONS OF HIERARCHY
Emerging artist Genevieve Leong had a busy start to the year, having taken part in three separate shows during Singapore Art Week 2024. Now she’s back with a new solo show at independent art space Islands, titled Hierarchy – the show subverts the notion of traditional hierarchies, which typically functions in a top-down format.
In Leong’s show, however, the notion of hierarchy has been decentralised. Her various assemblages function as a structure that “allows all objects to be seen equally and in collaboration; reinforced by a linear arrangement with no central focus or overlaps” – they effectively upend our understanding of what it means to “put something on a pedestal”.
On now till April 27, 10am-10pm daily, at Islands, #B1-07B Excelsior Shopping Centre, 5 Coleman Street
5. PARTY WITH BABY BOY
It’s Easter weekend, and you can bet the queer party series Baby Boy will be throwing a bash. The latest edition is titled Eggstra Baddie Bunnies, and there’ll be drag performances by local icons like Dat Abby Gal, Kak Nina Boo, Mia Rita Virus, Sapphire Blast, and Tiara Sorrel, as well as live sets by DJs xaetherx and Lokies Khan. And did we mention participants who come with the most fancy hats and bonnets will win a bottle of bubbly? Plus, the organisers are also doing their bit for the trans community – in conjunction with Trans Day Of Visibility, they’re pledging $5 for each sold ticket and 100 per cent of the night’s tip box to non-profit organisations Transbefrienders.
Get your tickets here.
March 30, 10pm -3am, at Hard Rock Cafe, 30 Cuscaden Road
6. CATCH A THOUGHT-PROVOKING PLAY ON CENSORSHIP AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LOCAL ARTS COMMUNITY
Beloved theatre company Wild Rice’s first production of the year is one with an extra-lengthy name: The Death Of Singapore Theatre As Scripted By The Infocomm Media Development Authority Of Singapore. First performed as part of the Substation’s SeptFest arts festival in 2022, the play, written by Alfian Sa’at, magnifies the usual dialogue between any playwright who wishes to put on a play and the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) officer who gives it a rating and decides if it can become reality. The production has been lauded for its fearless examination of how the local theatre scene has been regulated since colonial times to our current day – decide for yourself by getting a ticket here.
On now till March 30, various times, at Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre, #04-08 Funan, 107 North Bridge Road
